BIOLOGY 1110 - Lecture 1: Introduction & Scientific Study of Life

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering course administration, the definition and characteristics of life, the scientific method, experimental design, and scientific literacy from BIOLOGY 1110.

Biology

The scientific study of life.

Fundamental Characteristics of Life

The shared set of characteristics defining living organisms: composition of one or more cells; use of energy and matter; interaction with the environment; maintenance of homeostasis; genetic blueprint for growth, development, and reproduction; and evolution across generations at the population level.

Observation

A description, measurement, or record of any object or phenomenon gained through direct experience, reading, or sensing.

Scientific Hypothesis

An informed, logical, and plausible explanation for observations of the natural world, formulated as a statement rather than a question.

Testable Prediction

A specific expected outcome, often stated in an "if… then" format, describing observations that will occur under specific conditions if a hypothesis is correct.

Scientific Experiment

A repeatable manipulation of one or more aspects of the natural world designed to decisively determine whether a hypothesis is supported.

Independent Variable

The specific variable in an experiment that is manipulated or changed by the researcher between experimental groups.

Dependent Variable

The factor or outcome measured in an experiment that responds, or could potentially respond, to changes in the independent variable.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that is maintained under a standard set of conditions with no change in the independent variable.

Treatment Group

The experimental group maintained under the same standard set of conditions as the control group, but with the independent variable manipulated.

Blind Strategy

An experimental approach in which the human subjects do not know which treatment (if any) they are receiving, minimizing potential bias.

Randomization

The process of randomly assigning subjects to control and experimental groups to prevent selection bias.

Peer-Reviewed Publication

An article published in a scientific journal after undergoing rigorous review and scrutiny by independent experts who have no direct involvement in the research.

Process of Science Flowchart

The multi-step process of scientific inquiry involving observation, hypothesis formulation, prediction, experimentation, data analysis, hypothesis evaluation, and scientific communication.

Scientific Literacy

An understanding of basic scientific principles and processes that empowers individuals to evaluate evidence behind scientific claims and make informed decisions.

Correlation vs. Causation

The principle that two events or variables changing together (correlation) does not mean one event directly causes the other to occur (causation).

Wakefield Study (1998)

A retracted study published in The Lancet by Dr AJ Wakefield involving 12 children that falsely suggested a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

BIOLOGY 1110 Course Instructor

Dr. Lubomira Cubonova (Aronoff 278).

Required Textbook

Principles of Biology by Brooker, Widmaier, Graham, and Stiling.